The Vietnamese Prime Minister has for the first time attended the United Nations Ocean Conference, to demonstrate Vietnam's initiative and commitment to working with the international community to address global issues. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.

It focuses on protecting marine plankton. These creatures, although invisible to the naked eye, are essential for the survival of countless marine species, ensuring the food chain for many rare animals and plants and, most importantly, ensuring the food chain for humans. These plankton are in danger and are likely to face the risk of extinction as the ocean gets warmer.

The UN Ocean Conference will be an opportunity for world leaders to find solutions and make commitments for marine conservation in the coming decades.